If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of coffee only to experience an uncomfortable stomach ache, you might be suffering from what is known as coffee-induced diarrhea. This common and unpleasant problem is becoming increasingly more common, with around one in seven adults admitting to having diarrhoea after a cup of coffee.
Studies have shown that coffee-induced diarrhea is caused by a combination of the caffeine it contains, as well as the acidity of the coffee itself. Caffeine is known to stimulate the stomach and intestines and can increase the speed of digestion, which can lead to the symptoms associated with coffee-induced diarrhea.
In addition, coffee is often acidic which can irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to a greater likelihood of experiencing the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhea. One way to reduce your risk of experiencing the unpleasant symptoms is to drink coffee with a lower acidity. Lower acidity coffees include those made with arabica beans, as opposed to robusta beans, and those produced with a cold brew process.
Another way to reduce the risk of suffering from coffee-induced diarrhea is to change the way you drink coffee. Instead of drinking it on an empty stomach, try to have it with a meal. This will help to slow the digestion process and reduce the chances of suffering from an unpleasant stomach ache.
Finally, it is important to keep an eye on how much caffeine you are consuming. While a cup of coffee is unlikely to cause irritation, drinking too much coffee can increase the chances of experiencing coffee-induced diarrhea. It may be a good idea to switch to decaffeinated coffee if you find that you are drinking too much caffeine.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Another possible cause of coffee-induced diarrhea is gastrointestinal upset. Coffee can cause irritation to the lining of the intestine, leading to diarrhoea as well as bloating and gas. If you find that you’re having diarrhoea after drinking coffee, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount you drink and switch to a lower acidity coffee.
If you continue to experience symptoms of gastrointestinal upset after changing your coffee, it may be a good idea to visit a doctor and find out the underlying cause of your symptoms. You may find that the problem is not related to your coffee at all.
If it is, however, your doctor may suggest switching to a decaffeinated brand or trying a different type of bean, such as arabica or cold brew. In some cases, a doctor may suggest taking over-the-counter medication to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal upset.
Stress and Anxiety
It is also possible that the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhea are being caused by stress or anxiety. Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety, which can lead to the symptoms of diarrhoea or stomach ache.
If this is the case, it is important to try and reduce your stress levels. Exercise, yoga and meditation can be a great way to reduce stress and help to keep your symptoms at bay. It would also be a good idea to cut down on your caffeine intake, as this can reduce the chances of feeling anxious.
If these strategies don’t work, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about the possibility of anxiety medication. This could help to reduce your feelings of anxiety and, in turn, reduce the chances of experiencing coffee-induced diarrhoea.
Diet and Food Sensitivities
Another possible explanation for your coffee-induced diarrhoea is a food sensitivity. Common food sensitivities include dairy, gluten and some preservatives. If you find that you are experiencing diarrhoea after drinking coffee, it could be a sign that you are intolerant to one of these ingredients.
If you think this could be the cause of your symptoms, it might be a good idea to track what you eat and drink to see if this could be the reason for your discomfort. If you find that a certain ingredient or food type is causing your symptoms, try to eliminate it from your diet and see if this reduces or eliminates your symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Finally, lifestyle changes may also be necessary in order to reduce the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and drinking plenty of water can all help to reduce the risk of suffering from symptoms.
It is also important to avoid overeating, as this can lead to stomach aches and digestive issues. Finally, it is important to get enough rest, as a lack of sleep can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, both of which can be triggers for coffee-induced diarrhoea.
Alternative Solutions
If you are still experiencing coffee-induced diarrhoea, there are also some alternative solutions available to you. Probiotics, for example, have been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea, as they help to increase the good bacteria in the gut, which can help to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.
In addition, there are some herbal teas and supplements that can help to reduce the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea. These include ginger tea, peppermint tea and licorice root. However, it is important to speak to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, as these can interact with certain medications.
Finally, drinking more water and avoiding caffeinated drinks can help to reduce the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea. Water will help to flush out the toxins which can lead to diarrhoea, while avoiding caffeinated drinks can help to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume and, in turn, reduce the chances of experiencing symptoms.
Consult a Medical Professional
If you find that you are still experiencing coffee-induced diarrhoea, it is important to consult a medical professional. Your doctor will be able to provide advice on how to reduce the symptoms and, if necessary, prescribe medication or other treatments to help reduce the discomfort.
It is also important to discuss any potential allergies or food sensitivities that could be triggering your symptoms. Your doctor will be able to provide advice on how to manage such allergies or sensitivities, which can help to reduce the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Making lifestyle changes can also help to reduce the risk of experiencing coffee-induced diarrhoea. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest can all contribute to reducing the symptoms. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of water and avoid overeating, which can lead to digestive issues.
It is also important to try and reduce your stress levels. Exercise, yoga and meditation can all be great ways to reduce feelings of anxiety and help to keep the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea at bay. Additionally, reducing your caffeine intake may also be beneficial, as this can reduce the chances of feeling anxious.
Limiting Caffeine Intake
Limiting your caffeine intake is also an important step in reducing the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea. If you find that you’re drinking too much coffee, it might be a good idea to switch to decaffeinated coffee or try a different type of bean, such as arabica or cold brew.
It is also important to keep an eye on the acidity of your coffee. Lower acidity coffees, such as those made with arabica beans and those produced with a cold brew process, can reduce your chances of experiencing an uncomfortable stomach ache after drinking coffee.
Finally, it can be a good idea to have your coffee with a meal, as this will help to slow the digestion process and reduce the chances of suffering from an unpleasant stomach ache. Doing this may help to reduce the symptoms of coffee-induced diarrhoea.
